A new-look St Kilda will begin its quest for redemption in Sunday’s Round 1 clash boasting three fresh faces.
Defender Callum Wilkie was today named to make his debut alongside fellow mature-age recruit Matty Parker.
Say "Mum, Daddy's playing Round 1!" ❤️
— St Kilda FC (@stkildafc) March 21, 2019
Priceless. pic.twitter.com/GIcp9GH8UY
The pair join former Demon Dean Kent in red, white and black for the first time, while Jack Steven looks certain to take his place in the final line-up.
Under an injury cloud before Round 1 in 2018, Steven proved the match-winner with two crucial goals in the third term.
Hi inclusion provides Alan Richardson with added midfield depth, with Jade Gresham and Jack Billings likely to support the likes of Steven, Seb Ross, Luke Dunstan and Jack Steele.
Darragh Joyce and Josh Battle will hold down the key defensive posts, while Ben Long and Josh Bruce are virtual new recruits after missing the vast majority of 2018.
Dan McKenzie will be hoping to start the season as he finished off the last, named in the final 22 despite missing the JLT Series with a bruised heel.
READ: Wilkie's debut dream
McKenzie’s inclusion unfortunately meant Nick Hind was squeezed out despite a super first summer at RSEA Park.
The much-improved Lewis Pierce will start in the ruck against 209cm giant Jarrod Witts, leaving no room for emerging talent Rowan Marshall.
Like Marshall, young gun Hunter Clark and endurance king Ed Phillips are expected to feature heavily in 2019 but will be forced to prove their form for Sandringham in a VFL practice match on Saturday.
The Saints campaign kicks off at 1.10pm on Sunday under the roof at Marvel Stadium.
Final 22 | |||
B: | Jarryn Geary | Darragh Joyce | Shane Savage |
HB: | Jimmy Webster | Josh Battle | Jack Newnes |
C: | Jack Sinclair | Sebastian Ross | Jack Billings |
HF: | Dean Kent | Josh Bruce | Matty Parker |
F: | Jack Lonie | Tim Membrey | Jade Gresham |
FOLL: | Lewis Pierce | Jack Steele | Luke Dunstan |
I/C: | Jack Steven | Callum Wilkie | Daniel McKenzie |
| Ben Long | ||
E: | Nick Hind |
|